Michigan Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

Michigan voters have made their state the 10th in the U.S. to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes.

Proposal 18-1 has been given approval this evening by Michigan voters, with over 55% in support. Put forth by the Committee to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, the initiative legalizes the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, or up to 10 ounces at a private residence, for those 21 and older. The measure also legalizes the personal cultivation of up to 12 marijuana plants.

In addition, the initiative legalizes a licensed and regulated system of marijuana retail outlets, which will be supplied by licensed cultivation centers. Marijuana will receive two taxes; a 10% excise tax plus the standard 6% sales tax.

Below is the official ballot summary that voters approved:

This proposal would:

Allow individuals 21 and older to; purchase, possess a use marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles, and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal consumption.

Impose a 10-ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences and require amounts over 2.5 ounces be secured in locked containers.

Create a state licensing system for marijuana businesses and allow municipalities to ban or restrict them.

With the passage of Proposal 18-1, Michigan joins nine other states that have legalized marijuana for all uses. Those states are Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, Massachusetts, Maine, California, Nevada and Vermont. Of these states, only Vermont doesn’t allow marijuana retail outlets, and only Washington doesn’t allow marijuana to be cultivated for personal use.

For more information on Proposal 18-1, including the full text of the measure, click here.

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.